Print

Grecian Noodle Bake with Feta and Ground Meat

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Imagine sitting down at the table and inhaling the tempting aroma of a freshly baked Greek noodle casserole. Creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this casserole will make your taste buds dance. The Greek Noodle Casserole with Feta and Ground Meat is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy recipe that the whole family will love. Did you know that Feta cheese has been produced in Greece for over 6,000 years? This delicious combination of pasta, savory ground meat, and melty feta cheese makes this casserole a very special dish that you should definitely try. If you also like the popular lasagna recipes on the blog, this casserole will become your new favorite dish. Let’s dive into the world of Greek Noodle Casserole together and enjoy this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

  • 250g Kritharaki Greek Rice Noodles
  • 400g Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion, finely diced
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 400g Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • ½ tsp Cinnamon (optional, for typical Greek aroma)
  • Salt & Pepper

For Topping:

  • 150g Crumbled Feta
  • 100g Grated Gouda or Mozzarella

Instructions

Steps:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Cook the Kritharaki noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  6. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, and cinnamon (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  8. Add the cooked Kritharaki noodles to the pan with the meat sauce and stir to combine.
  9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
  10. Sprinkle the crumbled feta and grated Gouda or Mozzarella evenly over the top.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  12. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve your Greek Noodle Casserole with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon-olive oil dressing. A simple yogurt dip with mint also complements the pasta perfectly. If you feel like something to drink, freshly squeezed lemonade or a light Greek wine are excellent choices. If you have leftovers, you can store the Greek Noodle Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure the best quality when reheating, preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and bake the casserole in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat it in the microwave in short intervals of 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking. Freezing is also possible; it will keep for up to 3 months – perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!

Nutrition